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ESA News Release: [02/09/2005]
Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
Contact Name: Dolline Hatchett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4650
Release Number: 04-184-SEA(#05-17)
Labor Department in Anchorage, Alaska, to Help Nuclear Weapons Workers File Claims
ANCHORAGE — U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) officials will be available to answer questions about the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) at a town hall meeting Feb. 24 in Anchorage. In addition, current and former employees of contractors, subcontractors, and eligible survivors will receive information about Part E of the EEOICPA. The town hall meeting will be held at the Laborers Union Hall.
Part E replaces the Part D program formerly run by the Department of Energy. In October 2004, the President signed into law an amendment creating Part E to provide monetary compensation and medical benefits to contractor and subcontractor employees, or their survivors, who worked at DOE facilities and sustained an occupational illness as a result of exposure to toxic substances.
Thousands of workers sacrificed to keep our country safe, said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment Standards Victoria A. Lipnic. It is our responsibility to ensure these workers and their families are well served by the new energy workers compensation program.
Workers who need assistance filling out claim forms may schedule appointments following the town hall meeting or by calling toll-free, (888) 908-4070.
DATE TIME:
Feb. 24 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
LOCATION:
Laborers Union Hall
2501 Commercial Drive
Anchorage, Alaska
The Labor Department also administers Part B of EEOICPA. Over the past four years, the department has issued more than $1 billion in compensation and medical payments to over 13,000 claimants. Part B provides a lump sum payment of $150,000 and medical expenses to current and former DOE employees who became ill as a result of their exposure to radiation, beryllium or silica. DOE contractor employees, and certain survivors, are also potentially eligible. Covered conditions include radiogenic cancers, beryllium diseases and chronic silicosis. Qualified survivors of deceased covered employees may also be eligible for the lump sum compensation of $150,000.
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